Tag Archives: Hard Worker

The Grace

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As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.—1 Peter 4:10-11

The other day a friend told me this: “There is no way for anyone who hangs around you to have any excuse for not getting done what they need to get done. You are so productive.” She is continually amazed at my daily activities of spending time with God, caring for my home and three boys full time, blogging three days a week, discipling five women and counseling countless others, meeting freelance writing deadlines and hanging with my husband and sometimes pampering myself. She is amazed. No, I am amazed, not at me but at the power through me. I clearly understand that what I do is because of God’s grace and understood this to a greater degree when I stopped blogging last month. Continue reading →

Time Off

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Break (Noun)—1) something that interrupts the pattern of a thing, causing it to come to a complete halt; 2) a change in direction; 3) a period off from activity; and 4) a vacation, among several other definitions.

“Unplug from the matrix,” my husband, Flynn, tells me when I haven’t eaten, forgot to take my vitamins or no longer hear children crying for my attention. My computer and cell phone distract me, are my constant news networks, social sources, fund suppliers, the way I can be a writer for hire in the comfort of my home and on the run. But with a husband, three children, five disciples, several mentors and increased ministry and writing opportunities, my home became more hectic and my runs more of a hassle. In the midst of this June fray I know that Flynn’s daily matrix comments led to this “suggestion” that I take a break from blogging in July. As you know, I sort of took a break, like the one in number two above, but not like numbers one and three like my hubby would have liked. But even with reposting blogs and writing new introductions (and one new blog, I just couldn’t help myself), that was a pivotal break. First and foremost I learned that I did need a break. I’ll share with you next time the list of insights I got while on my break.

Until then, take it easy if you can’t take a break.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

Day 12: I Remember Her

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On this Memorial Day, we are duly bound to remember our military, past and present, who have given their lives for our freedom. As a Christian, I am constrained to remember those whose faith fanned their fights, fueled my faith and have encouraged my righteous fights. As I continue to look at the history of the strong black woman, I dedicate the following poem to the memory of such a woman: Continue reading →

A Significant Reputation

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    “. . .(A)nd let her works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:31).

Some days are ponder days, and this weekend I had one of those days. As I thought about my accomplishments in comparison to what I still have yet to do, I lamented a bit. My ministry has not had the far-reaching impact that I expected. And as I thought about not having a broader audience like some of my secular counterparts, I heard the Lord say, “You want success and not significance.” Immediately I received the correction. The impact I wanted came with fame; the impact that is necessary comes with a making a positive difference.

Some months ago I learned a good deal about the difference between success and significance. My pastor, Christopher W. Brooks, preached a message on this, warning Christians that our lives should not be about seeking fame and being successful according to the world’s standard of obtaining money and material items and being well-known; we must be about changing lives for Christ’s sake, starting within our own homes.

This was the success of the Proverbs 31 woman. She took care of her husband, children and maids. Because she looked “well to the ways of her household” and was a hard worker, she had a good reputation; her work taking care of her home—a small audience—garnered her praise in her hometown. As I reviewed Pastor Brooks’ message, I understood more what God was telling me: I didn’t want what I already had; I wanted what someone else had. And what I have is significance because I am making a positive influence in the lives of those in my sphere, the gates that He has me within.

I’m not saying that we should shun money, material items or popularity. But our emphasis should be on accomplishing the goals God has given to us, and these goals always start with taking care of home. This is the greatest area of significance. This gives you a good reputation.

Copyright 2009 by Rhonda J. Smith